Vacation Suggestions for Blue Ridge Mountains (Raleigh, Asheville: casino, camp, price)

[SALUKI_LOVER]

Hubby and I are going to take the first 6 months and explore the beautiful state upon our arrival. We'd love to go to the Blue Ridge Moutains. I'm sure you have your favorite vacation spots in that area forum regulars. We're into the B&B scene. . hiking . . mountain biking . . kayaking . . outdoorsy kinda stuff...nothing too fancy

Your suggestions appreciated . . . .

[toot68]

Bryson city is a good place to start. You have self guided rafting/kayaking on the Tusckaseegee (beginner) and Nantahala (novice), and guided rafting on the Ocoee and pigeon rivers an hour away. Smoky mountain national park 30 min away. Joyce Kilmer national wilderness an hour away (I think the only remaining old growth forest on east coast...you'll feel like your in the pacific northwest). Lots of mountain biking in the area, Tsali is fantastic, Nantahala Outdoor center nearby rents bikes. AT runs right through NOC as well. Fontana lake is on the southern border of smoky mountain nat park, beautiful place to sea kayak.

[mm34b]

My favorites.

Grandfather Mountain

Chimney Rock Park | North Carolina hiking trails with incredible mountain views

Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway

[SunnyKayak]

Make sure you add some waterfalls as places to stop North Carolina Waterfalls, Wildflowers, Hiking & Photography - Image Licensing - Brevard Transylvania County also ride some of the blue ridge parkway Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Pisgah Forest is a gorgeous place to go hiking but I probably avoid the linville gorge area due to the recent fires caused by lightening.
Pisgah Forest bed and breakfast & inns. Find the perfect Pisgah Forest B&B lodging on BedandBreakfast.com.

I also would avoid hiking Mount Mitchell it is very depressing once you reach the top.

[rfb]

Originally Posted by SALUKI_LOVER

Hubby and I are going to take the first 6 months and explore the beautiful state upon our arrival. We'd love to go to the Blue Ridge Moutains. I'm sure you have your favorite vacation spots in that area forum regulars. We're into the B&B scene. . hiking . . mountain biking . . kayaking . . outdoorsy kinda stuff...nothing too fancy
Your suggestions appreciated . . . .

Favorite places:

• Blowing Rock. About 3.25 hours from Raleigh. Plenty of B&B in the area. You can also hike at Grandfather Mountain, near Julian Price, or Linville Gorge (very strenuous), and elsewhere depending on how strenuous you want it.
• Near Asheville. Depending on how nice you want it, stay in Asheville, Maggie Valley, or any of the surrounding towns. Wonderful hiking near Shining Rock Wilderness Area (note that this area can be difficult to navigate and quite strenuous.) For a nice break, head over to Biltmore Estate for a day trip.
• Panthertown Valley. No panthers here, but a wonderful high altitude bog full of waterfalls. You can camp overnight, or just do day hikes in the area.

These just scratch the surface. There are plenty of other options available, both strenuous and easier.

[chisoxfan]

Here's a personal favorite: I love the drive between Waynesville and Brevard on U.S. 276. Do not be fooled by its designation as a U.S. highway -- it's a twisty mountain road surrounded by Pisgah National Forest and bordered by mountain streams (the Davidson River runs right next to the road as you approach Brevard). There are lots of places to stop and explore along the way. The road runs adjacent to Shining Rock Wilderness in Haywood County; Looking Glass Falls and the Cradle of Forestry in America are roadside attractions in Transylvania County. There's also access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Waynesville and Brevard both are attractions in themselves and each has a large selection of topnotch B&Bs.

And I can't help but ask -- are you an enthusiast of the saluki breed, or did you attend SIU-Carbondale? I'm an '81 graduate.

[I LOVE NORTH CAROLINA]

Originally Posted by chisoxfan

Here's a personal favorite: I love the drive between Waynesville and Brevard on U.S. 276. Do not be fooled by its designation as a U.S. highway -- it's a twisty mountain road surrounded by Pisgah National Forest and bordered by mountain streams (the Davidson River runs right next to the road as you approach Brevard). There are lots of places to stop and explore along the way. The road runs adjacent to Shining Rock Wilderness in Haywood County; Looking Glass Falls and the Cradle of Forestry in America are roadside attractions in Transylvania County. There's also access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Waynesville and Brevard both are attractions in themselves and each has a large selection of topnotch B&Bs.

And I can't help but ask -- are you an enthusiast of the saluki breed, or did you attend SIU-Carbondale? I'm an '81 graduate.

Yes I love the drive on this road too! You can't go wrong in Blue Ridge Mountains! And the Parkway should be a MUST.

[SALUKI_LOVER]

thanks so much for all the great suggestions. .

Chisoxfan - we are fans of the breed

[Asheville Native]

Stay in the smaller towns west of Asheville, and perhaps avoid Cherokee, which is a bit of a tourists trap with a casino. The only reason to come to Asheville itself is the Biltmore Estate, and you need to allot a full day for that, one to get your money's worth, and because there is a lot to see. Then work your way north east of Asheville, Spruce Pine, Boone, Banner Elk area.

Asheville itself? Well if the side show freaks at a carnival are your cup of tea, and you don't mind aggressive panhandlers, then downtown Asheville might interest you, but those that appreciate the beauty of the mountains might find it a blight on otherwise beautiful part of the world.

[hapaleeretired]

Wilson Creek in northern Caldwell County.